SQL and relational databases fundamentals (EN/NL/FR)

In this two-day ABIS course, you will gain an overview of the structure and operation of relational database management systems (RDBMS) and learn how to query them using the SQL language. During the hands-on sessions, we will actively work on SQL queries!

First, you gain a clear understanding of how an RDBMS is structured, which data structures underlie it, and how information is stored efficiently. Next, you learn the key SQL commands: from simple SELECT statements to using JOINs to combine data from multiple tables. During the hands-on sessions, you will write your own queries to filter, sort, and group data. By the end of the course, you will have the skills to independently query relational databases using SQL.

At the end of this training, participants:

• will have a good knowledge of the relational database model
• will know the basic SQL syntax
• will have effectively explored a database by means of the SQL SELECT statement
• will be able to read and write SQL queries to interrogate any database

During the exercises the DML aspects of the SQL language are treated (especially the SELECT statement). The emphasis lies on writing queries. This course precedes the more advanced courses SQL workshop, SQL advanced course, and other courses treating specific databases like Oracle, SQL Server, Db2, and MySQL/MariaDB.

Intended for

This training is intended for those who have (almost) never worked with SQL. You can test for yourself to see whether this course contains enough new information for you by filling out the online self-test. If not, you can go straight on to our course SQL Workshop.

Backgroud

No specific background is required - some familiarity with informatics is an advantage.

A selftest allows you to estimate your knowledge regarding relational databases and SQL, and helps you decide if it is advisable to start with the two day Fundamentals of SQL and relational databases course before following one of the follow-up courses: SQL workshop or the database fundamentals courses Oracle, Db2 for z/OS, Db2 for LUW, or MySQL and MariaDB.

This test consists of 20 questions, mainly multiple choice. Sometimes multiple answers are correct, in which case this will be clearly indicated. When all questions have been answered, press the submit button at the bottom to see the right answers and guidelines for your evaluation. This test will take about half an hour.

Main topics

• Principles of the relational model: tables, data types, and domains; keys; design; normalisation; nulls
• Relational database management: client-server model; global organisation (catalog, optimizer); integrity guarantees (primary & foreign keys, checks)
• Data Querying with SQL (DQL): the SELECT statement - with exercises on each topic:
  • basic syntax: SELECT - FROM - WHERE
  • filtering results: basic WHERE predicates
  • combining predicates with AND / OR / NOT
  • the issue of NULL values
  • operators and expressions — scalar functions
  • column functions — GROUP BY & HAVING
  • ORDER BY
  • combining tables: INNER JOIN and OUTER JOIN
• Data Manipulation (DML): modifying data with INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE

Training method

Classroom training with emphasis on practical exercises. You can choose the database system to be used during the exercises: Oracle, Db2 (z/OS or LUW), SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL. (Indicate your choice on the registration form). After the training, you get access to our on-line database environment, so you can practise at home/work!

Delivered as a live, interactive training – available in-person or online, or in a hybrid format. Training can be implemented in English, Dutch, or French.

Certificate

At the end of the session, the participant receives a "Certificate of Completion".

Duration
2 days.